DGCA’s BIG move amid Airbus software update alert, grounds THESE aircrafts
While Airbus has ordered urgent repairs of thousands of aircraft from its A320 fleet worldwide, many airlines in India have also faced flight disruptions. It is estimated that approximately 6000 aircraft worldwide will be affected.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an airworthiness directive banning the use of more than one model in the Airbus aircraft family, following security risk concerns regarding the company’s software update. The order issued by Deputy Director (Airworthiness) Nishikant Sharma reads: “This is to ensure that no person shall operate the product falling within the scope of applicability of this mandatory modification, except in accordance with the requirements of the Mandatory Modification(s)/implementation Airworthiness Directive(s).”
The Airworthiness directive also applies to multiple models of Airbus aircraft, including A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N, A319- Also valid for . 171N, A319-173N, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320-273N, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, A321-252N, A321-253N, A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-272N, A321-271NX and A321-272NX.
While Airbus has ordered urgent repairs of thousands of aircraft from its A320 fleet worldwide, many airlines in India have also faced flight disruptions. It is estimated that approximately 6000 aircraft worldwide will be affected. The company’s order follows an incident on an A320 aircraft that revealed a potential “solar radiation risk” that could disrupt data-critical flight controls.
As a result, a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in service have been identified that may be affected, Airbus said. The statement said Airbus is proactively working with aviation authorities to request immediate injunctive relief from operators through Operator Alert Transmission (AOT). The aim of the measure is to implement existing software and hardware protection and enable the fleet to fly safely. The statement also stated that AOT will be reflected in the Emergency Airworthiness Directive of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
This could impact air travel on various routes in the country as domestic carriers Air India and IndiGo have announced possible delays and schedule adjustments following Airbus’ technical directive for its global A320 family fleet.
In a post on IndiGo also confirmed that it is working closely with Airbus to implement the necessary mandatory updates to its A320 aircraft and ensure the fleet continues to operate safely.
An IndiGo spokesperson said: “We are aware of a notice issued by Airbus, the manufacturer of the majority of our fleet, regarding the A320 family. We are working closely with Airbus to ensure implementation of Airbus’ notice. We are making every effort to minimize disruption while carrying out the necessary audits. We regret any inconvenience this unforeseen situation may cause to our customers and thank them for their understanding. IndiGo is committed to the safety of its customers and treats Staff and safety as a top priority.”
(Except the headline, the story has not been edited by DNA staff but is published directly from ANI)
